Rutgers Edges Minnesota in Close Contest
Wednesday, March 11, 2026, 9:00 PM ET · United Center
Rutgers Scarlet Knights 72, Minnesota Golden Gophers 67, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs Minnesota Golden Gophers?
Rutgers Scarlet Knights beat Minnesota Golden Gophers 72-67 at United Center on March 11, 2026.
Who was favored in Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs Minnesota Golden Gophers?
Minnesota Golden Gophers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -265 (about 73% implied). The underdog won.
In a tightly contested matchup, the Rutgers Scarlet Knights triumphed over the Minnesota Golden Gophers with a final score of 72-67. This victory marks a significant moment for Rutgers, especially considering their previous encounter with Minnesota earlier in the season, where they suffered a heavy defeat at 80-61 on February 21, 2026. The game took place at the United Center, adding an extra layer of significance as both teams aimed to improve their standings in the NCAAB league.
Both teams entered this game with similar records, Minnesota at 15-17 and Rutgers at 14-18. Minnesota had shown a mixed form recently, with a record of 5-5 over their last ten games, and they were on a one-game winning streak following a narrow victory against Northwestern Wildcats, 67-66, on March 8, 2026. Their scoring average during this stretch was 67.0 points per game, while they allowed an average of 68.4 points. At home, Minnesota had performed slightly better, with a home record of 4-1 in their last five games.
Conversely, Rutgers had a record of 4-6 in their last ten games leading up to this fixture, also on a one-game winning streak after defeating Penn State Nittany Lions 74-62 on March 8, 2026. Their scoring average was higher than Minnesota's at 72.5 points per game, but they also allowed more, with an average of 76.2 points. Their away record reflected some struggles, standing at 2-4 in their last six away games.
The market had priced Minnesota as the favorites, with DraftKings listing them at -6.5 on the spread and a money line of -265. Rutgers was listed at +215 on the money line. The total for the game was set at 135.5, indicating expectations for a moderately high-scoring game.
In terms of player performances, the game saw pivotal moments that shifted momentum. Notably, Jamichael Davis contributed with crucial free throws late in the second half, extending Rutgers' lead. Harun Zrno also made significant contributions from the free-throw line, helping to maintain their advantage as the clock wound down. Minnesota attempted to rally back with three-pointers from Cade Tyson, but their efforts fell short as Rutgers executed their game plan effectively.
The conditions of the game were competitive, with both teams fighting hard for every point. Minnesota's home advantage was evident, but Rutgers managed to overcome that with a strong performance, showcasing their resilience and ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities. With this win, Rutgers not only avenged their earlier loss to Minnesota but also gained valuable momentum as they look to finish the season strong.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | MINN -6.5 | 135.5 o -108 / u -112 | Rutgers Scarlet Knights +215 · Minnesota Golden Gophers -265 |
Leaders
- PointsCade Tyson24Minnesota Golden Gophers
- AssistsLangston Reynolds8Minnesota Golden Gophers
- ReboundsLangston Reynolds7Minnesota Golden Gophers
- PointsTariq Francis29Rutgers Scarlet Knights
- AssistsDarren Buchanan Jr.7Rutgers Scarlet Knights
- ReboundsEmmanuel Ogbole7Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Recent form
Minnesota Golden Gophers
Last 10: 5-5Streak W167 scored · 68.4 allowed per game4-1 at home
- W67-66vs Northwestern WildcatsMar 8
- L47-77at Indiana HoosiersMar 4
- W78-73vs UCLA BruinsFeb 28
- L67-77at Michigan WolverinesFeb 25
- W80-61vs Rutgers Scarlet KnightsFeb 21
- W61-44at Oregon DucksFeb 18
- L57-69at Washington HuskiesFeb 15
- L62-67vs Maryland TerrapinsFeb 8
- W76-73vs Michigan State SpartansFeb 5
- L75-77at Penn State Nittany LionsFeb 1
Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Last 10: 4-6Streak W172.5 scored · 76.2 allowed per game2-4 away
- W74-62vs Penn State Nittany LionsMar 8
- L87-91at Michigan State SpartansMar 6
- W69-65at Maryland TerrapinsMar 1
- L72-79vs Washington HuskiesFeb 24
- L61-80at Minnesota Golden GophersFeb 21
- W85-72at Penn State Nittany LionsFeb 18
- W68-57vs Maryland TerrapinsFeb 15
- L68-80vs Nebraska CornhuskersFeb 7
- L66-98at UCLA BruinsFeb 4
- L75-78at USC TrojansFeb 1
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan | 37-3 | - | 19-1 |
| Nebraska | 28-7 | 4 | 15-5 |
| Michigan State | 27-8 | 4 | 15-5 |
| Illinois | 28-9 | 4 | 15-5 |
| Wisconsin | 24-11 | 5 | 14-6 |
| Purdue | 30-9 | 6 | 13-7 |
| UCLA | 24-12 | 6 | 13-7 |
| Ohio State | 21-13 | 7 | 12-8 |
| Iowa | 24-13 | 9 | 10-10 |
| Indiana | 18-14 | 10 | 9-11 |
| Minnesota | 15-18 | 11 | 8-12 |
| USC | 18-14 | 12 | 7-13 |
| Washington | 16-17 | 12 | 7-13 |
| Rutgers | 14-20 | 13 | 6-14 |
| Northwestern | 15-19 | 14 | 5-15 |
| Oregon | 12-20 | 14 | 5-15 |
| Maryland | 12-21 | 15 | 4-16 |
| Penn State | 12-20 | 16 | 3-17 |
Box score
| Stat | Rutgers Scarlet Knights | Minnesota Golden Gophers |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 25-54 | 25-48 |
| Field goal % | 46 | 52 |
| Three-pointers | 10-23 | 9-21 |
| Three-point % | 43 | 43 |
| Free throws | 12-17 | 8-12 |
| Free throw % | 71 | 67 |
| Rebounds | 27 | 26 |
| Offensive rebounds | 8 | 5 |
| Defensive rebounds | 19 | 21 |
| Assists | 22 | 23 |
| Steals | 7 | 6 |
| Blocks | 6 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 10 | 15 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 17 | 8 |
| Fast-break points | 0 | 20 |
| Points in the paint | 22 | 28 |
| Fouls | 11 | 17 |
| Largest lead | 11 | 5 |
| Lead changes | 12 | 12 |
| Time in front | 46 | 37 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half31-34Tariq Francis makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half34-34Tariq Francis makes 24-foot three point jumper (Lino Mark assists)
- 2nd Half34-36Cade Tyson makes driving layup (Bobby Durkin assists)
- 2nd Half36-36Darren Buchanan Jr. makes driving layup (Lino Mark assists)
- 2nd Half38-36Dylan Grant makes driving layup (Darren Buchanan Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half38-37Cade Tyson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half38-38Cade Tyson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half41-38Harun Zrno makes 25-foot three point jumper (Tariq Francis assists)
- 2nd Half41-41Bobby Durkin makes 24-foot three point jumper (Kai Shinholster assists)
- 2nd Half41-44Kai Shinholster makes 23-foot three point jumper (Langston Reynolds assists)
- 2nd Half44-44Jamichael Davis makes 24-foot three point jumper (Tariq Francis assists)
- 2nd Half44-47Bobby Durkin makes 24-foot three point jumper (Kai Shinholster assists)
- 2nd Half47-47Harun Zrno makes 25-foot three point jumper (Lino Mark assists)
- 2nd Half47-49Cade Tyson makes driving layup (Bobby Durkin assists)
- 2nd Half47-50Cade Tyson makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half47-52Langston Reynolds makes driving layup (Isaac Asuma assists)
- 2nd Half49-52Dylan Grant makes 12-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half50-52Tariq Francis makes free throw 1 of 3
- 2nd Half51-52Tariq Francis makes free throw 3 of 3
- 2nd Half54-52Jamichael Davis makes 25-foot three point jumper (Darren Buchanan Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half56-52Darren Buchanan Jr. makes driving layup (Jamichael Davis assists)
- 2nd Half58-52Tariq Francis makes 20-foot jumper (Jamichael Davis assists)
- 2nd Half58-54Cade Tyson makes 13-foot pullup jump shot (Bobby Durkin assists)
- 2nd Half60-54Darren Buchanan Jr. makes driving layup (Jamichael Davis assists)
- 2nd Half60-55Bobby Durkin makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half62-55Tariq Francis makes 18-foot jumper
- 2nd Half62-57Langston Reynolds makes driving layup (Isaac Asuma assists)
- 2nd Half64-57Emmanuel Ogbole makes 1-foot dunk (Darren Buchanan Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half64-59Isaac Asuma makes driving layup (Langston Reynolds assists)
- 2nd Half65-59Jamichael Davis makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half66-59Jamichael Davis makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half67-59Jamichael Davis makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half68-59Jamichael Davis makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half69-59Harun Zrno makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half70-59Harun Zrno makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half70-62Cade Tyson makes 25-foot three point jumper (Langston Reynolds assists)
- 2nd Half70-65Cade Tyson makes 23-foot three point jumper (Bobby Durkin assists)
- 2nd Half71-65Tariq Francis makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half72-65Tariq Francis makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half72-67Langston Reynolds makes driving layup
Win probability
Above the line favours Minnesota Golden Gophers, below favours Rutgers Scarlet Knights.
Venue
- United CenterChicago, IL
- Attendance16122
- OfficialsJeffrey Anderson, Andy O'Brien, Randy Richardson
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Picks for NCAAB
NCAAB rules and settlement
These two, other days
- Minnesota Dominates Rutgers in Convincing WinFeb 21, 2026
- Minnesota Edges Rutgers in Close ContestSep 27, 2025